Cultural Orientation Research Articles

Evaluating the impact of place-based education: insights from a river environmental program in Taiwan

PurposeThe current education paradigm is often criticized for fostering human dependence and failing to reduce environmental impacts. This has led researchers to propose alternative approaches. One alternative approach, place-based education, integrates a specific location’s natural and social context into learning experiences. By deepening students’ connection to their surroundings, place-based environmental education aims to enhance students’ sense of interdependence with a place and their place attachment in cognitive and affective dimensions. While widely practiced, its effectiveness remains largely unevaluated, particularly in the East Asian context. The gap hinders the development of impactful pedagogical approaches for educators.Design/methodology/approachThe authors examine a river environmental education program located upstream of Taiwan’s capital, offering a valuable case study within the East Asian context. The program’s design is analyzed, and its impact on enhancing students’ place attachment is assessed through a pre- and post-survey approach.FindingsThe results indicate a substantial increase in students’ place attachment following program participation, particularly pronounced among children with limited prior experience with the river. Importantly, this increase is comparable to or exceeds those observed in similar studies from other regions.Originality/valueThe considerable increase in place attachment observed in this program demonstrates its effectiveness in fostering environmental connections, particularly among children with limited prior experience. The magnitude of the increase might be partially attributable to the interdependent orientation of Taiwanese culture. This suggests that place-based education might yield significant positive outcomes in other non-Western countries with strong interdependent cultural orientations.

Is Boiling Bitter Greens a Legacy of Ancient Crete? Contemporary Foraging in the Minoan Refugium of the Lasithi Plateau

Wild greens (WGs) play a significant role in Mediterranean diets (MDs), reflecting botanical and cultural diversities, mainly influenced by a complex conglomerate of local human ecologies. This study investigates local ecological knowledge (LEK) linked to traditional gathering and consumption of WGs in the Lasithi Plateau of eastern Crete, where human genetic studies one decade ago showed very peculiar patterns, hypothesising that the Minoan civilisation took refuge there before it disappeared. A field ethnobotanical study was conducted to document the diversity of WGs and their detailed local culinary uses in the Lasithi area by interviewing 31 study participants. Fifty-nine folk taxa (species and subspecies) were recorded, corresponding to fifty-eight botanical taxa. A quotation index was measured to assess the cultural significance of WGs in the study areas; logistic regression analysis was adopted to understand the impact of sensory classifications of WGs and their local cooking methods. Lasithi’s foraging showed a notable prevalence of bitter-tasting WGs, which play a central role in local cognition and culinary practices. This bitterness aspect of WGs, potentially influenced by cultural preferences and genetic factors, probably suggests a connection to the ancient Lasithi’s inhabitants, i.e., Minoan dietary habits. We found that bitterness is the predominant sensory attribute in Lasithi, characterising 45.76% of the WGs. These findings underscore the complex interplay between local ecologies and biodiversity, LEK, and dietary traditions, highlighting the importance of WGs in understanding the evolution of foraging and plant culinary diversities across the Mediterranean.

Does higher endorsement with collaboration lead to better performance on collaborative problem solving? An explanatory item response approach to cross-cultural comparisons

IntroductionCollaborative problem solving (CPS) is an essential competency in the 21st century. However, the understanding of how cultural background shapes individuals’ collaboration awareness and its relationship with collaborative problem-solving skills are underexplored by psychometrics.MethodsThis study employs Explanatory Item Response Modeling to examine the impact of cultural orientations on students’ endorsement with collaboration in PISA 2015.ResultsResults show that students endorsed valuing teamwork more than valuing relationships. Western countries with individualist cultures generally demonstrated higher endorsement with collaboration than Eastern countries with collectivist cultures. China has the highest collaboration endorsement, followed by the US, Canada, Korea, and Japan. In contrast, Japan has the highest CPS assessment scores, followed by Korea, Canada, the US, and China.DiscussionFindings revealed that students from collectivist cultures do not have higher endorsements of collaboration compared with students from individualist cultures. Also, higher endorsement of collaboration does not necessarily lead to better success in the CPS assessment. Further research is needed to understand the gap between students’ attitudes towards collaboration and their achievement based on cultural values and schools’ CPS training.

Empathetic Leadership and Cultural Consciousness in Leading: Lessons from Iceland, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland

During our cooperation in different international projects with partners from other Scandinavian and Nordic-Baltic countries, I have tested various leading styles with the goal of ensuring the personal balance and work enthusiasm in the group. The paper analyses in practical terms and at the meta-level, the cooperation and leadership model we developed working with university teachers from six different Nordic and Baltic countries (Estonia, Iceland, Sweden, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland). I review the cooperation format, its pluses and minuses. This is done through the prism of Collectivism and Individualism. Building on the data analysis described above, suggest as a new approach, Emphatic Leadership and Culture- competent Leading. Empathetic Leadership and Culture-competent Leading is the notion I introduce to describe the model where cultural awareness, personality-related aspects, and principles of democracy and inclusion are entailed relating to the empathetic understanding of the co-workers, including their cultural preference styles. This is a qualitative piece of work that builds on experience analysis. The methodology is ethnographic research using description and theoretical analysis. the methods of participant observation and action research. Semi-structured questionnaires were administered to the participants as semi-structured individual and group interviews at the end of the first round of project periods (three different projects completed). The work period analyzed includes our five different group-leading periods (2017–2024), one of which partly coincided with the Pandemic period (2020–2022). The ongoing project period (three projects) was analyzed through interviews.

Interpretation of Western Images from a Postcolonial Perspective: A Case Study of Antonioni's Documentary Chung Kuo - Cina

This paper employs textual analysis and postcolonial theory to explore Michelangelo Antonioni's 1972 documentary Chung Kuo - Cina. The study delves into the film's portrayal of Chinese culture, people, and environment, focusing on how these depictions either reinforce or challenge Western audiences' expectations and prejudices. Antonioni's documentary is analyzed for its use of symbolism, cinematographic techniques, and scene selection in constructing an "exotic" image of China. Through a postcolonial lens, the paper examines how the documentary demonstrates Orientalist perspectives, reflecting Western stereotypes and biases towards China. Furthermore, it explores the broader implications of these representations in the context of cultural exchange and power dynamics. The analysis also considers the historical and political backdrop of the film's production, including the Cultural Revolution and China's efforts to shape its international image. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of how visual media shape and disseminate national images in cross-cultural contexts, highlighting the complexities of postcolonial identity construction and the enduring impact of Orientalism in contemporary visual culture.

AI Impact on Hotel Guest Satisfaction via Tailor-Made Services: A Case Study of Serbia and Hungary

This study examines the level of implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) in the personalization of hotel services and its impact on guest satisfaction through an analysis of tourists’ attitudes and behaviors The focus of the research is on how personalized recommendations for food and beverages, activities, and room services, delivered by trustworthy AI systems, digital experience, and the perception of privacy and data security, influence overall guest satisfaction. The research was conducted in Serbia and Hungary, using structural models to assess and analyze direct and indirect effects. The results show that AI personalization significantly contributes to guest satisfaction, with mediating variables such as trust in AI systems and technological experience playing a key role. A comparative analysis highlights differences between Hungary, a member of the European Union, and Serbia, a country in transition, shedding light on specific regulatory frameworks and cultural preferences in these countries.

Cultural Perception Effects on Customer Experience and Customer Patronage of Branded Alcoholic Bitters Beverage

Under the impact of globalization, consumers from different culture might hold different information processing tendency towards certain concepts and different perception since cultural orientation affects their perception and expectation. Firms are increasingly using the framework of customer experience to define their offering since differentiating one’s product or service is to create memorable customer experience. The purpose of the study is to assess cultural perception in relation to customers’ experience and customer patronage of branded alcoholic bitters beverage. All the consumers of branded alcoholic bitters beverage in Lagos State and who visited the designated place within the four (4) weeks period made up the study population. 1153 usable research instrument were retrieved based on the researchers’ judgment through convenience sampling technique and data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. T-test of multiple regression analysis were used to analyze factors in the independent variables and their effects on the dependent variable. The study revealed that cultural perception, customer experience and customer patronage have a very strong and positive relationship therefore, concluded that there is strong positive relationship between cultural perception, customer experience and customer patronage based on the consumers’ cultural perception as they try to experience the product. It is therefore, recommended that Organizations, Marketers, and other stakeholders in relation to marketing of alcoholic bitters beverage understands how to play along cultural perception by building and creating a strong attributes of perception of the product in mind of consumers. Also, conduct customer experience survey from time to time in order to monitor and obtain information on how to sustain and improve the consumers’ feels about their product by focusing on those factor that will help build a long-lasting and mutually profitable relationship with its’ customers.

Parental involvement in Mexican-origin adolescents' romantic relationships: An examination of parents' cultural orientations and parent-youth relationships.

Romantic relationships are normative in adolescence, and parents can play a role in supporting or restricting adolescents' romantic experiences. This study examined parents' involvement in adolescents' romantic relationships in a sample of 226 Mexican-origin families. Findings indicated that, on average, mothers were more supportive of adolescents' romantic relationships than fathers, and parents were more supportive of daughters than of sons. Fathers' (but not mothers') Mexican cultural orientations were associated with greater restrictions on adolescents' romantic relationships. For mothers of boys, higher levels of familism values were linked to lower levels of support, and for fathers of boys, more traditional gender role attitudes were associated with less support. Also, more parent-youth conflict was associated with greater support from mothers but greater restrictions from both mothers and fathers. Finally, less granted autonomy in early adolescence was associated with greater parental restrictions. Discussion focuses on the nature of mothers' and fathers' involvement in adolescents' romantic relationships. Implications for research and practice highlight the importance of recognizing cultural and relational factors that shape mothers' and fathers' parenting around adolescent dating.

Silk road heritage: The artistic representation of port trading culture in the images of characters in Qing Dynasty Guangzhou export paintings.

As customized artistic commodities, export paintings mirrored Guangzhou's unique overseas trade culture and social power in a microscopic view, nevertheless, few researchers have delved into the cultural relationship between the use of the painting techniques and the characters of the export paintings. Based on an iconographic approach, this article aims to analyze the historical iconography information of the Qing dynasty export paintings from the perspective of the trade development and cultural exchange between the East and West during the 18th century by the study of the export paintings' characters expressions and costumes colors, providing insights into the exploration of the value of tangible cultural heritage. In the process of our research, shows that: 1) the dominant laboring characters in the export paintings present standing postures, and most of them demonstrate negative emotions; 2) many of the characters of the export paintings show high similarities due to the assembly-line mode of painting during manufacture; 3) the portrayal of the characters in the export paintings reflects a return of a sense of humanity. This is evident in the fact that the subject of the paintings abounds in the scenes showing local folklore, working views, and daily life in Guangzhou. Meanwhile, the characters in the painting are vividly portrayed in a realistic style. The use of mixed colors on the costumes of different characters reflects a universal value of having regard for the equality of all men; 4) Guangzhou export painting decorative art evolution of the development of the dual development of Chinese and Western fusion of veins. Guangzhou export paintings of the Qing dynasty satisfied the customers' reverie for 'Oriental Civilization' and their purpose of seeking novelty of foreign cultures. It also revealed the subtle dynamics of the interplay between Guangzhou's social power, trading capital, and blending art.

Linking Hierarchy Culture, Market Culture and Innovation Orientation: Moderating Roles of Causation and Effectuation

This paper aims to examine the influence of hierarchy and market cultures on firm’s innovation orientation. Also, it explores the moderating roles of the two decision-making logics, which are causation and effectuation on the relationship between hierarchy and market organizational cultures and innovation orientation. The current study extends past research on organizational culture and innovation, by being most likely the first study to examine the extent to which the relationship between hierarchical culture and SME innovation orientation is moderated by causal logic; and the extent to which effectual reasoning moderates the relationship between market culture and the innovation orientation of SMEs. The study utilizes survey data from 206 small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in the manufacturing and services sectors of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), that is analyzed using SmartPLS. The results of this study suggest that causation moderates the relationship between hierarchical culture and SME innovation orientation. Furthermore, market culture is only positively related to SME’s innovation orientation when effectuation moderates the relationship.

Exploring Strategies For Expanding The Xiaohongshu App In Malaysia And Singapore: A Study On Developing Chinese Social Media Overseas

This article discusses China's unique social media landscape, which is shaped by the country's culture, politics, and regulatory environment. Chinese social media platforms like WeChat, Weibo, and Xiaohongshu are deeply integrated and innovative, with features such as virtual red envelopes and mini-programs that significantly boost user engagement.However, expanding these platforms overseas presents challenges, such as cultural differences, regulatory environment, and competition. The article focuses on the case of Xiaohongshu (RED). It proposes strategies to improve customer loyalty and functionality in the context of e-commerce, utilizing the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology 2 (UTAUT2) as the theoretical framework.The article highlights the importance of understanding the cultural norms and preferences of the target audience, complying with local laws and regulations, and finding ways to differentiate Chinese social media platforms from established players in the market.

Investigating how Cultural Contexts Shape Social Media Experiences and their Emotional Consequence

This study investigates the impact of cultural contexts on social media experiences and their emotional consequences. With over 4.8 billion global users, social media plays a pivotal role in shaping communication and interpersonal relationships. However, cultural factors such as individualism vs. collectivism, power distance, and uncertainty avoidance significantly influence how users engage with these platforms. Utilizing a quantitative approach, this research explores the relationships between cultural dimensions, social media engagement patterns, and emotional outcomes across diverse cultural groups. Data was collected from approximately 1,000 participants, equally divided between Western and Eastern cultural contexts, using standardized questionnaires assessing cultural orientation, social media usage, and emotional responses. The analysis revealed that individualism positively correlates with social media engagement (r = 0.450, p < 0.01), while collectivism negatively affects engagement frequency (r = -0.320, p < 0.05). High power distance (r = -0.290, p < 0.05) and uncertainty avoidance (r = -0.350, p < 0.01) negatively impacted user interactions, highlighting cultural constraints on online behavior. Furthermore, the study found that social media engagement mediates the relationship between cultural factors and emotional outcomes, with significant differences in emotional responses observed between Western (M = 4.80) and Eastern (M = 3.20) cultures. The findings emphasize the importance of culturally sensitive approaches in mental health interventions and social media platform design, advocating for tailored strategies that account for the unique needs and experiences of users from different cultural backgrounds. This research contributes to the growing body of literature at the intersection of culture, technology, and psychology, offering insights valuable for both academic and practical applications in enhancing user well-being in the digital age.

The Impact of Leadership Styles, Cultural Dimensions and Values on Academic Leaders

This study investigates the cultural dimensions, values, and leadership styles of school leaders in Indian K-12 and European schools, specifically focusing on cross-cultural differences. The objective is to explore how leadership styles and cultural orientations differ between Indian and European school leaders and to examine how these variations impact organizational culture and decision-making processes. A non-experimental quantitative research design was employed, utilizing standardized instruments such as the Multi-factor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ-Form 6S), OCTAPACE, and the Scale of Individual Cultural Values (CV) to measure leadership styles and cultural dimensions. Data were collected from 165 Indian leaders across Punjab, Haryana, Delhi-NCR, and Uttar Pradesh, as well as 156 European leaders from Croatia, Hungary, Poland, and others, using purposive and convenience sampling methods. Independent t-tests and Discriminant Function Analysis (DFA) were used to compare the two regions' leadership styles and cultural orientations. The findings reveal that Indian school leaders predominantly demonstrate transformational and laissez-faire leadership behaviors, influenced by hierarchical structures prioritizing collective goals and authority delegation. Indian leaders scored higher on openness, trust, and collaboration dimensions, which align with collectivist and hierarchical cultural norms. In contrast, European leaders emphasized confrontation, authenticity, and individual autonomy, reflecting a preference for more egalitarian and individualistic decision-making approaches. These insights contribute to a deeper understanding of how leadership and cultural values shape educational practices in different contexts.

An interrogation of family-based care for the elderly in Kaloleni sub-location, Kisumu, Kenya

The aim of this study was to interrogate family based care services for the elderly within Kaloleni Sub-Location, Kisumu, Kenya. The population of the elderly (age 60 and above) is projected to outnumber children (0-9 years) by the year 2030, and by 2050, to exceed the population of adolescents and youth aged between 10 to 14 years. The Kenya government is exploring the development of a community care strategy and the roll-out of an Integrated Care of Older Persons (ICOPE) package. While family-based care has been the policy and cultural preference for offering long term elderly care, the state recognized growing demand for responsive changes to current realities. This research set the following three objectives: First, to establish the state of family based care in Kaloleni sub-location; second, to examine alternatives to family based care that exist in the sub-location, and, lastly, to interrogate policy options as suggested by respondents in the study. Using Krejcie and Morgan sample size determination table, a total of 120 elderly persons aged 70 and above were traced and 92 of them randomly sampled. The methodology deployed was mixed methods involving narrative interviewing and cross sectional survey. Descriptive data analysis and thematic analysis were deployed for quantitative and qualitative results respectively. Narrative interviewing/In depth interviews method was used in collecting data from Kaloleni sub-location. While findings from this research may not be generalizable due to study limitations and scope, the study strongly demonstrated the desperate state of gerontological care in informal settlements in urban centers in Kisumu, where over 90% of respondents sought improvement on care service provision for the elderly. The elderly persons mostly rely on care givers from the family but these care givers also tend to be dependent on the elderly respondents for general upkeep. Results support the literature that contends that older people are vulnerable to poverty. It was recommended that policy must shift to address factors that promote healthy aging and diminish suffering in old age as population aging continues. Further studies of a longitudinal nature are required to lend greater insight and inform policy.

A Study of Game Localization Translation under the Perspective of Skopos Theory--Taking the Game Red Dead Redemption 2 as an Example

As economic globalization continues to advance, the international market for video games is rapidly growing. For game companies aiming to expand their business globally, the localization of game translations is a crucial aspect. A well-executed localization can greatly boost a game’s international sales and appeal, attracting players from diverse regions. Thus, game localization is a vital strategy for companies seeking success on the global stage. Skopos theory, a key framework in translation studies, offers valuable insights for different types of translation work. This paper applies the principles of Skopos theory to examine the Chinese localization of various texts in the large-scale single-player game Red Dead Redemption 2. The analysis reveals that, under the guidance of Skopos theory, the localization enhances both the gaming experience and the sense of immersion for Chinese players. During the localization process, the translation, adaptation, or even rewriting of the original text is performed with the goal of aligning the final product with the cultural and linguistic preferences of local players.

Can you bear with me? A comparison study of multifaceted discrepancy–brand avoidance relationships between China and the USA

PurposeBrand information is ubiquitous online and offline; consumers exhibit brand avoidance tendencies towards brand stimuli when there is a discrepancy between a brand image/personality and one’s self-concept. Given the multifaceted culturally constituted self-domains and self-importance, this research investigates how cultural variation affects reactions to self-brand discrepancy, considering two types of narcissist orientations.Design/methodology/approachUsing national culture as proxy for cultural orientation, sample data were collected through surveys administered to 410 participants (210 in China and 200 in the USA). A multi-group structural equation model was adopted to examine the conceptual model and proposed hypotheses. The follow-up qualitative study was conducted to allow further discussion of the quantitative results.FindingsThe results show that self-brand discrepancy can only be converted into brand avoidance tendency through the activation of cognitive dissonance for both Americans and Chinese. Specifically, for Chinese consumers only (ideal) social identity self-brand discrepancies can activate avoidance behaviour. In addition, grandiose and vulnerable narcissism orientations co-exist for both Chinese and Americans, these negatively moderate the relationship between social self-brand discrepancies and cognitive dissonance. For US consumers, idealised identity discrepancies mitigate dissonance; only those with a vulnerable narcissistic orientation would act on avoidance when experiencing dissonance.Originality/valueBy incorporating cultural variations in the investigations of self-brand discrepancy, this paper advances existing knowledge on dissonance and coping mechanisms. In addition, by bringing narcissistic orientations to the fore, it allows for a deeper understanding of how these cultural variations operate. In addition, our research provides important guidelines for brand practitioners to better leverage their marketing campaigns in offline and online contexts and to reduce brand avoidance tendencies across the international marketplace.

Эпистемологический статус харизмы в исторической макросоциологии

The uncertain epistemological status of charisma is largely due to its polysemy and polymorphism. Max Weber thematizes it in a variety of contexts and meanings — distinguishing between magical, religious charisma and the charisma of reason, highlighting the trajectories of routinization and objectification of charisma, typologizing different types of prophecies. In turn, the multiple (re)actualizations of this “brilliant concept” [Rose] as reinforcements of their own theories in the form of varieties of symbolic capital, resonance, the everyday, the re-personalized, or the risky charisma lead to either semantic compression or the blurring of meaning, both within sociological theory and in interdisciplinary discourse. To define the scientific content of charisma, the authors propose to thematize it in historical macrosociology. The key question is addressed to the interdisciplinary connections in Weber's intellectual heritage — is the category “charisma” attributable to Weber the historian or Weber the sociologist? The clarification of the epistemological status of charisma, expressed in its dual character (phenomenon vs. ideal type), becomes possible thanks to the discussion of a corpus of the classic texts by two prominent German Weberologists - W. Schlüchter and F. Tenbruck. In its turn, the reconstruction and systematization of approaches of Weberian historical macrosociology allows us to clarify the boundaries and possibilities of the category's application. Thus, the evolutionary-theoretical perspective defines the heuristic potential of charisma in terms of reflecting the dynamics of cultural and value orientations in the process of emergence and consolidation of social order and institutional structures. The comparative-historical approach, in turn, defines the relationship between the analytical and empirical levels of Weber's sociology through the “immersion” of an ideal-typical construct in a real historical narrative. In this way, historical macrosociology overcomes the most valid criticisms (S. Turner) of the category's failure, heterogeneity, and its residual character.

Role of attachment style, acculturation orientation, and social support in the acculturation of international students in China

Herein, we examined the impact of attachment style, acculturation orientation, and social support on psychological distress and sociocultural adaptation difficulties among international students in China. This study was based on an online survey that involved 229 international students [117 (51.05 %) Asians, 105 (45.46 %) Africans, 3 (1.74 %) Europeans, 1 (0.44 %) Oceanian, and 3 (1.74 %) from the Americas]. Our sample’s average [Standard Deviation (SD)] GHQ-12 and Sociocultural Adaptation Scale (SCAS) scores were 0.906 (0.477) and 2.240 (0.746), respectively. Furthermore, hierarchical regression analysis revealed that our predictors could account for 25.4 % and 14.3 % of the explained variance in international students’ psychological distress and sociocultural difficulties, respectively. In such instances, Chinese language proficiency correlated negatively with both psychological distress and sociocultural adaptation difficulties. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between attachment avoidance/anxiety and psychological distress, as well as between attachment anxiety and sociocultural adaptation difficulties. Moreover, heritage culture orientation and co-national support correlated negatively with psychological distress. Besides providing valuable insights for policymakers in education, our findings could also aid international students in quickly and effectively adapting to new environments.

Reality TV, Nigerian Idol, and cultural preferences for Afrobeats music

ABSTRACT Reality TV, particularly Music Reality Shows (MRSs) like Nigerian Idol, has emerged as a significant dimension of television programming, providing a platform for cultural representation and interactivity. Afrobeats, a music genre that originated in West Africa, has gained global acceptance and recognition in recent years with great influence on the global cultural landscape. This study examined the cultural preferences of viewers towards the use of Afrobeats music in the Nigerian Idol reality TV show. Cultivation theory was adopted as the theoretical framework to investigate the level of viewership of Nigerian Idol among residents of Lagos, Nigeria, and explore their cultural preferences for Afrobeats music. Through a mixed methods approach involving a quantitative survey and focus group discussions (FGD), the study gathered data from residents of Lagos, Nigeria. The results reveal a reduction in viewership of Nigerian Idol compared to previous seasons, indicating shifting audience interests. However, there is a significant cultural preference for Afrobeats music compared to other genres of music, particularly those of foreign origin, among viewers who have encountered the Nigerian Idol. This also confirms the growing influence and acceptance of the fast-rising Afrobeats genre. The findings underscore the role of media, particularly television programmes such as Reality TV Shows, in shaping cultural identity and preferences. The correlation analysis confirms a strong relationship between viewership levels and cultural preferences for Afrobeats music in Nigerian Idol, highlighting the impact of television programming on audience perceptions and tastes for cultural artifacts like music. The study contributes to understanding cultural dynamics in the context of Reality TV Shows, music, and cultural entertainment, emphasizing the need for producers to adapt to evolving audience preferences and embrace digital innovations to sustain viewer interest.

“Half-Read Wisdom”: Yeats’s Impressionistic Partial Reading of Tagore

W. B. Yeats’s role in promoting Rabindranath Tagore in the West and his laudatory introduction to Tagore’s lyrical volume Gitanjali (1912) have attracted diverse responses from critics. Some have viewed it as a sincere effort by a fellow poet while others criticize him for Orientalizing the Bengali poet. Yeats himself was aware that he could only grasp half of the beauty and power of Tagore’s works given his inability to read Bengali and appreciate the cultural nuances embedded in the lyrics. This put him in the position of an awe-struck but baffled Westerner responding to the exotic charm of an alien Oriental culture. Nevertheless, his mystical orientation allowed him to have an empathic and intuitive understanding of Tagore’s soulful renditions. Due to such complexities, neither a political nor a mystical-spiritual approach does justice to Yeats’s framing of Tagore in the early 1910s and beyond. By combining both these approaches, this essay intends to look at them as enabling rather disabling factors. The two sections of the essay probe into the cultural-political and the mystical-esthetic dimensions of Yeats’s half or partial reading of Tagore’s works with a view to offering a holistic understanding of the matter.